Politics

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s family members and associates rely on the illicit drug trade to fund his regime’s violent oppression and abuse of the Syrian people.  Today, the United States is taking action, in coordination with the United Kingdom,...

On March 27-28, the United States, as the 2023 chair of the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC), convened the Coalition’s 36 member States, Observers, and Advisory Network of external stakeholders for a Strategy and Coordination Meeting in Washington, D.C.  The...

The City Council of Irvine, California, Proclaimed March 21, 2023 'Legend Day' Honoring an Afghan American for His Efforts to Save Americans and Allies in Afghanistan.

IRVINE, Calif., March 30, 2023 (Newswire.com) - In America's safest city, one U.S. Army combat veteran is making big waves around the world. His callsign is "Legend," and he's the only Afghan-American to be awarded his own holiday in the United States. 

At 3:30 PM PST, Mayor Farah Khan of Irvine, California, proclaimed March 21, 2023 #LegendDay on behalf of the Irvine City Council. She was joined by former Mayor Christina Shae, current City Council Member Larry Agran, as well as U.S. Military veterans and members of the Afghan and Iranian communities of Irvine. 

"Thank you for your brave leadership in this humanitarian crisis," Agran said to Legend. "I stand with you to do whatever we can for the Afghan people."

Legend Group Spokesperson Jazz Cannon received the award on Legend's behalf. 

"By proclaiming March 21, 2023 #LegendDay," Cannon said, "Irvine is sending a powerful message of unity and solidarity to the world with the occupied people of Afghanistan." 

Legend was deeply moved by the gesture. 

"I want everyone, whether friend or enemy, to remember this honor given to a person from Afghanistan the next time you hear the harsh words that Americans have abandoned Afghanistan," Legend said upon hearing about the proclamation. "This holiday is proof that the American people stand with the freedom-loving people of Afghanistan."

"I dedicate this holiday to the 40 million victims of the Taliban regime," Legend continued. "I dedicate this to the 800,000 American veterans of the Afghanistan War, and our vocal supporter United States Congressman Mike Waltz. I dedicate this to the Afghan soldiers who are continuing the war against terrorism. And I dedicate this proclamation and this honor to my brother Commander Ahmad Massoud, the leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, who is fighting against our common enemy."

It all started on Aug. 15th, 2021, when Legend, a retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, single-handedly went behind enemy lines to rescue American citizens, Afghan allies, and religious minorities from the clutches of the Taliban. 

For him, it's personal: he escaped the Taliban days before 9/11, and served his new nation honorably in the U.S. Army, deploying with former CENTCOM Commander General Joseph Votel to his former homeland during the War on Terror. Legend frequently returns to Afghanistan to continue helping those left behind. 

Today, Legend Group's extensive on-the-ground team provides evacuations, medical support, prenatal care, food, safe houses, and counter-human trafficking support for at-risk Afghan allies and their families in need. 

Legend Group Foundation is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization solving the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. For media queries or to support their work, contact Jazz Cannon at (321) 418-5253.

Contact Information:
Jazz Cannon
Legend Group Spokesperson
[email protected]
321-418-5253


Original Source: 'Legend Day' Declared Honoring Afghan Who Saved Americans From Taliban

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Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Todd D. Robinson will travel to Mexico City, Mexico March 28-31 to open the U.S.-Mexico Synthetic Drug Conference and meet with INL’s partners in justice and...

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Small Businesses and Thousands of Jobs at Stake as New Legislation Being Pushed Could Devastate the State's Thriving Hemp Industry

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 30, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Patrick O'Brien, an American veteran, founder of Learn Sativa University and SaveFLHemp.org — an organization committed to protecting Florida's thriving hemp industry and the small businesses that depend on it — recently spoke before the Florida House of Representatives, advocating for small businesses and the people of Florida. His plea, however, went unanswered as the House pushed forward with House Bill 1475, potentially endangering the entire hemp industry in the state.

O'Brien, along with other business owners and cancer survivors, was allotted a mere 30-second window to passionately argue against the bill's devastating consequences on small businesses, individuals, and the economy. In a room filled with over 70 opponents of the bill, including stage 4 cancer patients, doctors, and lawyers who attested to the benefits of hemp products and how the bill would adversely affect Florida's industry, the representatives seemed to disregard the pleas of their constituents.

The hemp industry has contributed significantly to Florida's economy, providing jobs for over 100,000 people and generating substantial tax revenue. Despite the overwhelming evidence against the bill, hemp businesses were told to "stay in their lane" as HB 1475 continues to push forward.

The bill, disguised as a measure to protect children, would primarily benefit Florida MMTCs at the expense of the hemp industry. The representatives, many of whom demonstrated little knowledge of the plant, its uses, or the science behind it, chose profit over people, voting in favor of the bill while claiming to hear the concerns of the crowd. The proposed legislation is constitutionally unethical and goes against federal guidelines. Moreover, the "guidelines" set by this bill are already in effect in Florida, and the addition of outrageous THC caps and the redefining of hemp in Florida law would only serve to destroy small businesses.

All eyes are now on the next committees, the Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and the Infrastructure Strategies Committee, which have the power to stand with small businesses and prevent large corporations from monopolizing the hemp industry in Florida, a state that prides itself on freedom and opportunity.

O'Brien has also initiated a petition opposing the bills, which can be signed online at saveflhemp.org. With thousands of signatures already collected, the goal is to gather even more support to protect Florida's hemp industry.

O'Brien will continue his fight for the industry when he returns to Tallahassee for SB 1676, which will be presented before the Fiscal Committee. The bill is almost identical to HB 1475 and could devastate the state's hemp industry. His determination and commitment to the cause serve as a powerful reminder that the people of Florida will not back down without a fight.

About SaveFLHemp.org

SaveFLHemp.org is a dedicated organization committed to protecting Florida's thriving hemp industry and the small businesses that depend on it. With a focus on providing accurate information, resources, and advocacy, SaveFLHemp.org works tirelessly to ensure that the voices of entrepreneurs, industry workers, and consumers are heard by policymakers and legislators. Through grassroots efforts, educational campaigns, and strategic partnerships, SaveFLHemp.org seeks to create a sustainable future for Florida's hemp industry, safeguarding the economic and social well-being of the countless individuals who rely on it.

Contact Information:
Allyson Perez
Director of Operations
[email protected]
720-295-1439


Original Source: Florida's Hemp Industry Under Fire: How Two Bills Threaten Small Businesses and Jobs

HOUSTON, March 30, 2023 (Newswire.com) - AEG Affiliated Energy Group Financial demonstrates its continued top-of-market expertise by closing three ...